Time-lapse photography is a fun way to make your pictures come alive, but it can be tricky to execute. This is because there are situations where you need to pan the camera, but the movements have to be smooth and consistent--which is why I find the Camalapse a clever idea.

By using a normal egg timer and modifying the ends to accept a camera and tripod, users can create smooth time-lapse photos. Simply turn on the shooter's time-lapse option, screw it onto the device, and set the timer. The Camalapse will then rotate a full circle within an hour, capturing a 360-degree view of the place it's shooting in.

The Camalapse costs $25 and is compatible with most tripod mounts if you need more stability. But note that its tiny size means the gizmo probably works best with point-and-shoots and not dSLRs.